Swansea City defender Nathan Wood is set to join newly promoted Premier League side Southampton, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
The move for the 22-year-old to join the Saints is set to cost £3 million, with Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards also expected to join at the same time for a similar fee.
Wood’s switch to St Mary’s wouldn’t be the first time he has been signed by Saints boss Russell Martin. The former Norwich City defender signed Wood for Swansea and attempted to gain his signature in January. Martin also looked to add the defender to one of his squads before the Swansea move, having looked to sign Wood on loan at MK Dons.
Wood came through the academy at Championship side Middlesbrough, making 14 senior appearances alongside loans at Crewe Alexandra and Hibernian before a move to South Wales. Boro also stand to benefit from the move, with the Northern Echo claiming the club have a ‘very healthy’ sell-on clause which will see them pocket a fee.
The England under-21 international looks set to leave Wales’ second city having made 72 appearances at the Swansea.com Stadium, scoring once. With Wood coming into the final year of his current contract, it was likely a move would happen this summer to allow the Swans to receive a fee for the player.
While the move is a blow for Luke Williams’ side, any fee recouped will allow them to build a squad for their manager’s first full season at the club, as they look to build on last year’s disappointing 14th placed finish. How they’ll go about that without Wood, though, remains to be seen.
Writer’s View
This is a move which will benefit two Championship clubs after underwhelming seasons, while giving the player the progression of Premier League football. Middlesbrough were wise in adding a sell-on fee when selling Wood; they are looking at now getting a cash injection for having the foresight to see Wood’s potential.
As for Swansea, this allows them to get money for a player they were going to lose for free in a year, as well as ensuring they can spend to build a squad in Luke Williams’ image. While they’ve lost a great player, the long-term benefits could be worth it.
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